Source: National Association of International Educators

Applies to: Green card and H1B applications requiring labor certification.

Implications:

1. Instant online labor condition applications (LCA) approvals no longer possible with the new system
2. Unified system for both LCA and PERM
3. Time line: some forms start processing on April 15, 2009
4. Employer identification number (EIN) required
5. Full time job is at least 35 hrs of work per week
6. Multiple work locations can be listed on LC

The iCERT Portal System For LCA And PERM Filings

In 2009, the Department of Labor Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) plans to implement a new portal system called iCERT for LCA and PERM filings. The iCERT system will require employers or attorneys to create a user account, from which they will be able to file both LCAs and PERM applications. LCA functionality will be added first, followed later by PERM functionality.

Once the system is up and running, all employers and attorneys or agents will have to set up new accounts in the iCERT system as no current LCA or PERM login data will transfer to the new system.

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Read about implications

Bulletin Source: Department of state

Applies to: Green card applicants

Detailed Bulletin: March 2009

Summary of Visa Bulletin Relevant to EB1A and NIW

1. EB1 is current for all countries
2. EB2 is current for all countries except for India and China. The cutoff dates of India and China have moved forward by approximately one-and-a-half months (February 15, 2004 for India and February 15, 2005 for China).

News Source: U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (www.ice.gov)

Implications to: H1B workers

11 arrested, indicted in multi-state visa fraud operation

DES MOINES, Iowa - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested 11 individuals in seven states Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspected visa and mail fraud. Matthew G. Whitaker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, announced the operation, which was carried out by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Iowa, California, Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and New Jersey.

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